Responsibility of a Nurse - Essay Example

Responsibility of a Nurse A nurse is a healthcare professional who takes care of the patients and advocates them in the issues regarding health and treatment. Quan (2006) states, “Nurses combine the fine art of caring with scientific knowledge and skills acquired throughout their education and careers”. The level of responsibility of a nurse in advocating a patient with suspicious injury or illness is very high. A nurse needs to make the patient aware of his/her actual injury or disease in order to make the patient mentally prepare for proper treatment.

If there is a possibility of substance abuse or domestic violence, the level of responsibility of a nurse becomes even higher. A nurse needs to report any suspicious injury or illness present in the patient to the doctor in order to assist the doctor in suggesting an appropriate treatment for the patient. It is the ethical and legal responsibility of a nurse to provide the patient with physical as well as psychological treatment while advocating a patient with suspicious injuries. Some of the best ways in which nurses can fulfill their ethical and legal responsibilities include taking proper care of the patient, examining all aspects of the injury, making the patient feel relaxed and safe, and reporting complete case to the doctor.

Nurses face a number of challenges while dealing with patients having suspicious injuries. Some of the major challenges include making the treatment practical for the patient, making the patient mentally strong, making the patient forget the incident, and maintaining openness and honesty while dealing with such patients. BSN nurses can help their colleagues overcome these challenges by giving them proper training regarding critical care, educating them the importance of mental health, and educating them how to deal with patients affected by domestic violence or use of substances.

References Quan, K. (2006). What is a Nurse?. Retrieved from http://www.suite101.com/content/what-is-a-nurse--a7761